Castelli Premio Black Jersey Review

After releasing the bib short version, already called “Premio Black”, Castelli recently launched a short-sleeve jersey from the same line. As expected for a high-end product from the Italian brand, the performance is supposed to cover what the user can expect from such a jersey, from the cut to the finishes, not to mention great comfort in use.

Text: Olivier Dulaurent – Photos: 3bikes.fr

In the highly competitive apparel market, users can find themselves lost when it comes to purchasing a product. Obviously, each brand tries to contribute its part to offer ever more comfortable, more aerodynamic, and lighter products. When Castelli releases a short-sleeve jersey that positions itself directly at the top of its range, quality is expected.

Appealing features

As soon as the jersey is taken out of its very high-quality packaging, the quality of the fabric to the touch is undeniable and already suggests great comfort when the jersey is used without a technical base layer.

In detail, Castelli chose to use a first fabric on the chest and back, which is both elastic enough to follow the contours of the torso but not too much to prevent the pockets from sagging under the weight of their contents.

On the shoulders, a second ribbed fabric is present. Even more elastic, its purpose is to follow the shoulders as closely as possible without restriction or discomfort.

A silicone band is present at the bottom of the back to ensure the overall fit and accentuate the support of the contents in the pockets. Their depth is greater than average, which allows for long rides, possibly combined with uncertain weather (requiring a raincoat and eventual rain gloves). A zipper is located on the right side of the three pockets. This is a detail that some cyclists appreciate, especially for storing valuables. This zippered pocket can also be used to store wrappers from used energy products.

Furthermore, particular attention has been paid to the collar and the zipper. The neckline is a “crew neck” type, classifying the Premio Black jersey more in a category dedicated to warmth. Castelli also recommends this product for a temperature range from 16°C (but depending on the intensity of the ride, it will then be necessary to add arm warmers or even a sleeveless vest for the most sensitive to cold) up to 35°C. As for the zipper, it is easy to grasp and manipulate, while completing the very pleasant look of the ensemble. On this subject, and for those who might find the Premio Black jersey too plain or even dull in its solid black livery, three other colors are available.

A word must be said about how the jersey sizes. Indeed, while the model is at the top of the Castelli range, it is not the closest-fitting cut (called Rosso Corsa). It turns out that the Premio Black jersey sizes “classically”, not to mention that, upon inquiry, Castelli has increased its sizing by half a size compared to its habits of a few seasons ago. Thus, for 1m90 and 72 kg, I rode using a size S. Consequently, for very lean and smaller users, it will probably be necessary to turn to size XS, sometimes absent from the manufacturer but here necessary for lighter builds.

While riding, a particularly pleasant comfort

The jersey was tested in a temperature range from 18°C to 33°C, both for climbing cols and for trying to ride fast on the flats. In all cases, the Premio Black jersey proved to be perfectly up to the specifications of a very high-end model. As expected, the comfort, and particularly the direct contact of the fabric on the skin, is pleasant, to the point that one quickly forgets that one is wearing a jersey. To this good impression is added the very pleasant cut that is close to the body but without excess, provided the correct size is chosen. As for the sleeves, their length is in the upper average, even considering current trends, but they are also soft to the touch.

Despite the black color that attracts the sun, there is no sensation of overheating, quite the opposite. Temperatures flirting with a heatwave pose fewer problems than with a more classic jersey, and during effort, perspiration is well managed, although sweat marks related to mineral salt loss eventually appear (visually accentuated by the color of the tested model).

The depth of the pockets, as well as their hold once they have been filled with all the essentials for long rides, deserve nothing but praise.

For the rides carried out during the test, the Premio Black jersey was systematically accompanied by its “homologous” bib shorts, of the same name, already tested here on 3bikes.fr. Chamois comfort, support, judiciously positioned straps, and wise choice of materials allowed for long rides.

Review of the new Castelli Premio Black bib shorts – 3bikes.fr your cycling and triathlon magazine

Thus, if you’re going to break the bank for the Premio Black jersey (€159.95), you might as well go all the way with the concept with the bib shorts (€249.95), which is Castelli’s highest-end level, even if the ensemble may seem too plain to some in this completely black livery.

Ultimately, Castelli has succeeded in its gamble of offering a product perfectly suited to the most demanding, whether in terms of cut, overall comfort, or sweat management. While the price is high, it falls within the range of competitors’ prices (some are even more expensive!). It will simply be more judicious to go through a retailer for a real static fitting, in order to select the correct size.

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